Why Did Over 2,400 Indian Aircraft Report Technical Faults in Five Years?

December 22, 2025 at 02:30 AM•3 min read

India's Ministry of Civil Aviation reported over 2,400 technical faults across eight airlines since 2021, prompting [DGCA](https://www.dgca.gov.in)

Key Points

1Over 2,400 technical faults were reported across eight Indian commercial airlines between 2021 and November 2025, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
2The 382 incidents reported in 2025 (till November) represent the lowest annual total in the five-year period, showing a decline from the peak of 524 in 2022.
3[IndiGo](https://www.goindigo.in) recorded the highest number of total faults at 787, followed by [Air India](https://www.airindia.com) (500) and [SpiceJet](https://www.spicejet.com) (418).
4The [DGCA](https://www.dgca.gov.in) has completed 12 investigations and imposed financial penalties on airlines seven times for maintenance and safety violations.

Official data confirms over 2,400 technical faults commercial aircraft incidents in India. These faults were reported by eight major commercial carriers over the past five years. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) presented the statistics to the Lok Sabha. The data shows a recent decline in airline technical incidents.

In 2025, only 382 incidents were reported through November. This marks the lowest annual figure during the five-year period. The highest number, 524 incidents, occurred in 2022. The total number of incidents has since shown a downward trend.

Airline-Specific Technical Faults

The MoCA report detailed the total faults by airline since 2021. IndiGo recorded the highest total with 787 aircraft faults. This was followed by Air India at 500 incidents. SpiceJet reported 418 faults in its fleet. Other airlines included Vistara (305), Star Air (168), Akasa Air (76), and Alliance Air (66).

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol provided the figures. The report noted a decrease in incidents for IndiGo in the last two years. Conversely, Air India saw a sharp rise in 2024 before a decline in 2025. Akasa Air, a newer carrier, reported 60 of its 76 total cases in 2025.

Regulator Oversight and Enforcement

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) maintains continuous aircraft maintenance oversight. The regulator monitors these defects closely. Airlines must submit Engineering Statistical Reports (ESR) and defect reports. The DGCA investigates all reported defects. The goal is to ensure proper rectification and prevent future recurrence.

DGCA enforcement actions

The DGCA has a strong enforcement policy. The regulator takes action against employees if negligence is found. Twelve investigations have been completed, leading to enforcement actions against airlines. Financial penalties were imposed on airlines on seven occasions.

The DGCA uses a structured surveillance framework.
This includes regular audits and spot checks.
Night surveillance and ramp inspections are also part of the process.

This robust oversight is crucial for Indian aviation safety data. It ensures compliance with maintenance practices. The regulator has intensified its efforts in recent years. This reflects a commitment to upholding global standards.

Industry Context and Impact

The rise in reported faults highlights challenges in commercial airline safety statistics. India's rapidly expanding air travel market puts pressure on maintenance. Increased regulatory scrutiny is a direct response to these pressures. The DGCA has taken 19 actions against scheduled airlines in 2025. This follows 22 actions taken throughout 2024.

This trend matters to passengers and airlines alike. For passengers, it provides data-driven reassurance. It shows the regulator is actively ensuring safety. For airlines, it underscores the critical need for investment in maintenance staff and procedures. The focus on aircraft defect reports India ensures transparency. This is vital for maintaining high safety standards across all flight operation news. The DGCA ensures Indian regulations align with ICAO and EASA standards.